1. Types and components of computer systems

Question 1

Define hardware

Answer 1

The physical components of a computer system

Question 2

Name the three categories of Hardware

Answer 2

1. Internal Hardware
2. Internal Memory
3. External Hardware

Question 3

List down the components of the three categories of Hardware

Answer 3

1. Internal components: CPU, processor, motherboard
2. Internal memory RAM & ROM
3. External components: Graphics card, sound card, NIC, camera,
   internal/external storage devices, input and output devices

Question 4

Define software

Answer 4

The set of programs that controls and runs the operation of a computer or processing of electronic data

Question 5

Briefly explain the two categories of Software

Answer 5

1. Application Software: Provides the services that the user requires to carry out a specific task
2. System Software: Provides a platform that the computer requires, to run applications and carry out tasks

Question 6

List the characteristics of analogue data

Answer 6

1. Values changes smoothly and gradually
2. Quality can be lost during storage/transmission
3. Converts to digital to be used in digital devices

Question 7

List the characteristics of digital data

Answer 7

1. Values are limited (in a binary format - 1s and 0s)
2. Quality is maintained during storage/transmission
3. Converts to analogue to use in analogue devices
4. Manipulates easily

Question 8

State the need the need to convert analogue to digital data

Answer 8

So it can be processed by a computer

Question 9

State the need the need to digital data to analogue data

Answer 9

So it can be used to control devices

Question 10

Explain the role of the CPU in processing instructions entered into the computer in order to produce an output (Fetch-Execute)

Answer 10

1. Fetch (Input): The next instruction/data is fetched from the RAM, and then brought back to the CPU
2. Decode (Process): Based on the instruction/data, the CPU works out/processes what is required
3. Execute (Output): The fetched instruction(s) will be carried out by the necessary components of the CPU

Question 11

List the characteristics of RAM

Answer 11

• Primary storage directly connected to the CPU that stores temporary data and instructions currently in use
• Contents are lost when powered off (Volatile)
• Performs read/write functions
• Size can be increased hence larger capacity than ROM

Question 12

List the characteristics of ROM

Answer 12

• Primary storage that holds the first instructions a computer needs to start up
• Consists of Basic Input Output System
• Located in the motherboard, a small memory that can only read data
• Contents aren’t lost when powered off (Non-volatile)

Question 13

Explain the differences between RAM & ROM

Answer 13

1. RAM is a temporary memory device, whereas ROM is
   a permanent one.
2. RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile.
3. RAM can be written to and from, but ROM can only be
   read from.
4. RAM is used to store data, files, programs, and parts
   of OS that are currently in use. However, ROM is used
   in storing start-up data

Question 14

List the characteristics of input and output devices

Answer 14

• Input Devices: Hardware components that allow users to interact (input/commands) with a computer system (processes the interaction to produce an output)
• Output Devices: Hardware components that receive information from a computer system and present it to the user in a human-readable form (communicates the results)

Question 15

List the characteristics of backing storage

Answer 15

• Secondary storage
• Non-volatile so data is stored for a long time
• Data can be read from and written to

Question 16

Explain the differences between backing storage and internal
memory

Answer 16

1. RAM contents are lost when power is lost, ROM is read-only, and backing storage is permanent even without power.
2. RAM and ROM are much smaller than backing storage.
3. RAM and ROM are significantly faster in accessing data than backing storage.
4. Backing storage is much cheaper than internal memory.
5. Internal memories are fixed, and backing storage can be fixed or portable.
6. Internal memories can be directly read by the CPU, while backing storage needs to be moved into the
   RAM before being read by the CPU.

Question 17

Describe the characteristics of operating systems including: Command Line Interface (CLI), Graphical User Interface (GUI), dialogue based and gesture based interface

Answer 17

• Command Line Interface (CLI): Text-based commands and therefore the user is in direct communication with the computer
• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Interacts with the user by visual elements (WIMP)
• Dialogue Based Interface: Uses spoken words to give commands
• Gesture Based Interface: Relies on human interaction by the moving of hands, head or feet

Question 18

Describe the characteristics of a desktop computer

Answer 18

Powerful computers designed to stay in one place. They consists of: separate keyboard, mouse, computer and monitor; therefore they’re upgradable as parts can be replaced to increase performance

Question 19

Uses of a desktop computer

Answer 19

Office and business management
1. Word processing
2. Financial modelling
3. Email
Education
1. Online learning
2. Research
3. Content creation
Gaming and entertainment
1. Online gaming
2. Streaming
3. Social media